In *Avowed*, the 'Fires in the Mine' side quest presents players with a crucial decision: to stop or support Darle. Both choices have their merits, but from a rewards perspective, one choice stands out as the better option.
Should You Stop or Support Darle in Avowed 'Fires in the Mine' Quest?
For the best overall rewards in your *Avowed* playthrough, the optimal choice is to stop Darle from blowing up the mine. While supporting Darle does offer a respectable amount of XP, stopping him yields a more substantial combined package of XP, money, additional loot, and narrative benefits.
What You Get for Supporting Darle
If you choose to support Darle and allow him to execute his plan, you will receive 1026 XP upon completing the mission after speaking with Kada and Seyon. However, by jeopardizing their sulfur mining initiative, which is crucial for defense against the Dreamthralls, you forfeit any monetary reward. Additionally, attempting to deceive others about your involvement won't change the outcome, and it will further strain the relationship between the Aedyrans and Thirdborn.
Rewards for Stopping & Killing Darle
Opting to stop Darle in the 'Fires in the Mine' quest yields immediate benefits. You'll earn 212 XP for defeating him, followed by an additional 879 XP after debriefing with the mining officials, totaling 1091 XP—65 XP more than if you had supported him. Moreover, Seyon and Kada will reward you with 900 coins for your efforts. Before leaving the mine, you can also loot Darle's corpse for:
- Blackwood Branch (Superb Upgrade Material)
- Wild Mushroom Stew (Prepared Food)
- Beetle Pie (Prepared Food) x2
While the food items are minor, the Blackwood Branch is a valuable asset for weapon and armor upgrades, adding to the allure of the higher XP and coin rewards. From a narrative standpoint, maintaining the relationship between Thirdborn and the Aedyrans enhances the game's world, but stopping Darle's plan is the superior choice for gameplay rewards.
Now that you're aware of the best decision to make at the end of 'Fires in the Mine' in *Avowed*, consider exploring all 12 Treasure Map locations to discover exclusive gear. If you're focused on leveling up your godlike, check out the max level in *Avowed* to understand their potential strength.